ChristmasFest FAQ
What is ChristmasFest?
Does it cost money to attend ChristmasFest?
How do I become a vendor at ChristmasFest?
I don’t have anything to sell, but I would like to help with ChristmasFest. Can I volunteer?
Are there activities for children?
Will there be something to eat or drink?
Where do I park?
What if it rains?
Will there be music?
What vendors will be at ChristmasFest?
What is the Moravian Music Foundation?
What is the Moravian Archives?
What is ChristmasFest?
ChristmasFest is a traditional Moravian Advent and Christmas Festival and Holiday Market! It is an opportunity for you and your whole family to enjoy Salem, get in the Christmas spirit, and immerse yourself in German and Moravian traditions. Modeled after the ever-popular German Christmas Markets (Christkindlmärkte), the festival features music, arts and crafts, gifts, Tannenbäume (Christmas trees), food and drink, and fun for all ages. Even Weihnachstsmann (Santa Claus) will be at ChristmasFest!
Does it cost money to attend ChristmasFest?
No! You can visit ChristmasFest for free, including participating in activities and enjoying the live music. We hope you will also find something of interest to purchase from our vendors or partake in food or drink, but neither is required to have fun at ChristmasFest. Both the Music Foundation and the Archives rely on donations to stay in operation and be able to offer events like this, so please consider buying a souvenir mug or otherwise contributing to either or both organizations!
How do I become a vendor at ChristmasFest?
Click here to apply to be a vendor at ChristmasFest [Coming soon].
I don’t have anything to sell, but I would like to help with ChristmasFest. Can I volunteer?
Absolutely! We need as many volunteers as we can get. We anticipate that we will need approximately 30 volunteers to work the full day and more than 30 if folks would prefer to work partial days. Roles include information booth worker, concert usher, tour guide for the Vault, Santa’s helpers, Children’s Christmas Craft Corner helper, runners, vendor hall assistant, beverage station worker, bussers, gift shop worker, and pre-event setup assistant. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below or click here to open the form in a new tab. [Coming soon]
On the day of ChristmasFest, lunch will be provided for volunteers, as well as snacks and refreshments.
Are there activities for children?
Yes! There will be a craft corner for children, including decorating cookies, ornament and star making, candle trimming, and more. Santa Claus will also be in attendance for children to meet. Santa will receive visitors. We will not have a photographer on duty, so please bring your own camera or plan to take photos on your phone.
Will there be something to eat or drink?
Yes! We will have food vendors in the parking lot. Click here for more information [Coming soon].
Additionally, there will be beverage stations with Glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine (ours will be non-alcoholic), a cheery warming agent in many cultures during the dark and chilly winter months. The German word itself directly translates to “glow wine” in English. This name was derived from the red hot irons used to heat the wine in the early days. Recipes may include red wine or juice combined with popular spices of the season, including citrus, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and vanilla, all sweetened with sugar.
In addition to the Glühwein, the beverage stations will have hot chocolate (trinkschokolade) and cookies. Buy the souvenir mug and enjoy unlimited hot beverages and cookies as you stroll through the festival.
Where do I park?
Parking will be available in the Salem College Fine Arts Center parking lot. Use 500 E. Salem Ave for GPS to locate the entrance to our parking. Drive straight in and down the hill to the opposite end of the lot. You may also park in Salem on Church, Bank, or Main Streets.
For accessibility, enter from the east side and follow the ramp to the postern gate. There is an elevator inside.
Note: Our mailing address is 457 S Church St, but our building is not “on” Church Street and our parking is not accessible from Church St. Click here for additional information.
What if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event, but please do not worry – many of the activities will take place indoors, and the vendors will also be inside. We will do everything we can to make sure the event is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, no matter the weather!
Will there be music?
Of course – it wouldn’t be a Moravian event (especially not one put on by the Music Foundation) without music! There will be choirs, bands, brass ensembles, guitarists, and more playing Christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder) and other holiday music. Click here for more information [Coming soon].
What vendors will be at ChristmasFest?
Click here for a list of vendors that will be at this year’s ChristmasFest [Coming soon].
What is the Moravian Music Foundation?
Unique Musical Treasures: Nestled in the historic town of Salem, NC, is a modern archival repository of musical treasures written and collected by Moravians. Built upon a unique blend of ancient hymnody, traditional German hymn texts, and Classical music, Moravian Christmas music delivers a heartfelt message of hope and joy in the holiday season.
What is the Moravian Archives?
The Moravian Archives is the official repository of and serves as the institutional memory for the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province. It serves the Church, its members, and the public by fostering curiosity and discovery through access, preservation, and education. The Archives’ mission is to ethically steward records and historical materials of Moravians and provide equitable public access to its holdings.